How To Become A Student or Scholarship Firefighter

Do you want a career in emergency services? Are you self-disciplined, responsible and focused? Do you have room for growth in a fast-paced and ever-changing career?

Four departments have collaborated to offer you real world experience while getting a degree with the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The Chena-Goldstream, North Star VFD, Steese VFD, and University Fire Departments have developed a joint firefighter recruitment process. The consortium is designed specifically for student firefighters and scholarship firefighters looking to combine real on the job experience with their college education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. One application will apply for one or all departments, depending on your preference. 

 

Student & Scholarship Firefighters

• Maintain 12 credit hours per semester with a grade point average of 2.00 or better;
• Work up to 56 hours per week on rotating 24-hour shifts;
• Maintain a satisfactory driving and criminal record, and;
• Meet the department’s ongoing performance and conduct standards.

Step 1:

 

Step 2:

 

Additional Steps:

 

University FD Program Benefits:

The University Fire Department is nationally-known as the only program of its kind where:

• Students can earn a paycheck ($35,000 to $39,000 per year.)
• Respond to actual emergencies as a certified firefighter and emergency medical technician.
• Earn a college degree.
• 90% of our program alumni in recent years have successful careers in emergency services throughout Alaska and the other United States.

For more information, contact Captain David Mattox at  (907) 474-5770 or email damattox@alaska.edu.

 

---

Steese VFD Scholarship Program Benefits:

The scholarship award covers the following expenses through a per semester reimbursement program:

• 12 credit hours (Alaska Resident Rate)
• University Fees
• Course/Material Fees
• Textbooks
• Parking Fee:
• Meals

Scholarship firefighters are responsible for school expenses up front each semester and will be reimbursed after meeting the eligibility requirements. The current reimbursement rate is $6,900 per semester.

• SVFD Scholarship FAQ
• SVFD Paramedic Scholarship FAQ
• SVFD Application

A fire department dorm room will be provided free of charge (dependent on availability.)

For more information, contact Office Manager Samara Steele at 907-457-3710 or by email.

 

---

Chena-Goldstream Fire & Rescue Scholarship Program Benefits:

The scholarship award covers the following expenses through a per semester reimbursement program:

• 12 credit hours (Alaska Resident Rate)
• University Fees
• Course/Material Fees
• Textbooks
• Parking Fee
• Meals

Scholarship firefighters are responsible for school expenses up front each semester and will be reimbursed after meeting the eligibility requirements. The current reimbursement rate is $6,900 per semester.

A fire department dorm room will be provided free of charge (dependent on availability.)

For more information, contact Fire Chief Frank Bracken at 907-479-5672 or by email.

 

---

North Star VFD Scholarship Program Benefits:

The scholarship award covers the following expenses through a per semester reimbursement program:

• 12 credit hours
• Course/Material Fees
• Textbooks
• Parking Fee
• Meals
  

Scholarship firefighters are responsible for school expenses upfront each semester and will be reimbursed after meeting the eligibility requirements.  The current reimbursement rate is $6,900 per semester.

NSVFD Scholarship FAQ

A fire department dorm room will be provided free of charge (dependent on availability.)

For more information, contact Lieutenant Kelli Casey at 907-488-3400 or by email.

---